Ethnography Practice

I glance at the hundreds of skeleton decorations lining the shelves of El Burrito Mercado, symbols of El Dia de los Muertos. Beside them are tables set up for eating, their tiled surfaces polished and pristine. I slide into one of the elaborate dark metal chairs, trying to take in everything. The aroma of rice, beans, and meat slips through the air along with the smoke from behind the cafe counter. Colorful pinatas hang from the ceiling in neat rows. Hispanic artwork, such as pottery and paintings, lines the walls. Cheerful Spanish music plays in the background, calling everyone to clap their hands. Underneath my fingertips are delicately designed tiles that have been pressed into the table. The tiles catch the glint of the warm lights above, reflecting it back at me. Behind the counter of the cafe, the workers joke with each other in Spanish. Their laughter sounds over the music, causing me to look back up. They have a short break, as there are no customers. Even as they are washing dishes, they are smiling and talking excitedly. Even my four years of Spanish do not allow me to follow their animated conversation. A costumer approaches the counter and the workers automatically switch modes. They are now still smiling, but focused on the costumer. As soon as he takes his food and leaves, the mood changes back to jokes and laughter. A worker in the standard red shirt and black pants calls to another worker as he washes out a tray. Another worker dressed in all black scoops up the floor rug, still snickering as she walks past. It's almost as if they don't notice they are working!